Hello, I am Dr. Sylisa Lambert-Woodard,co- owner of Alliance Therapy Center LLC. I am a licensced clinician with over 25 years of experience. I graduated from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA with a BS is social work and psychology, a Masters in social work from Catholic University, Washington D.C., and a Doctorate Degree in Education Counseling from Nova Southeastern, Fort Lauderdale, FL. I attended the Harvard University School of Business for Executive Leadership, and have provided a full life spectrum of clinical and academic services. Currently, I provide life spectrum services, but specialize in co occuring and trauma related issues. Please read our homepage for further alliance with my practice of work.

Eric J. Woodard, COO

Eric J. Woodard is Chief Operating Officer and co-owner of Alliance Therapy Center, LLC. Eric is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps with a specific calling to veterans with PTSD. He has worked in the D.C. Department of Corrections, Stafford County Sherriff’s Office, and is a highly decorated retiree after 25 years of service from the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office. Eric earned a Bachelors of Science Degree from George Mason University, Master’s of Science Degree in Counterterrorism from Rochester Institute of Technology of NY, and is a certified Moral Reconation Therapy Counselor. Eric teaches criminal justice as an adjunct professor at local universities, as well as, developing current correctional designs under patent. Eric’s personnel management, data collection, training, and organizational development provides for a well -managed practice with capacity to respond to the changing environment. “Semper Fidelis.”

Barbara Deal, MA, LCSW

Everyone’s problems and natural strengths are unique. I work with adults facing life changes, (health issues, stress, worrying, loss), anxiety, depression and long term mental health issues. Listening deeply to personal stories, I bring understanding with cognitive strategies mindfulness, art and humor for meaningful change. An LCSW, I have been a licensed psychotherapist locally for 25+ years and taught psychology at Germanna Community College. I have graduate degrees from University of Kentucky MSW) and Middle Tennessee State University (MA-Psychology) and bachelor’s degree in fine art (BFA) from VCU. My column “Mind Your Mind” is published in www.FrontporchFredericksburg.com

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Kelly Carter, LPC

Kelly Carter is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 15 years experience in the field. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Messiah College and graduate degree from George Mason University. Kelly has worked in nonprofit, local government and private practice settings during her career utilizing her strength-based approach to meet the needs of diverse populations. Kelly works with children, teens and adults in individual, group and family sessions. She offers a variety of skills to address concerns related to ADHD and behavioral concerns as well as depression, anxiety, PTSD/trauma and emotional concerns. Kelly also provides for relational and family concerns and provides Christian counseling to those interested in addressing their spirituality in counseling. Kelly offers several skills sets such as anger management, behavior management/emotion regulation, social skills, interpersonal relationships, communication, healthy families and organizational skills. For children and teens, she employs a cognitive-behavioral, learning and activity-based approach matching the developmental stage of the client. For adults, she utilizes a cognitive-behavioral, person-centered and solution-focused approach touching on the strengths of each individual.

I provide a holistic approach that will address the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional person as a whole. My theoretical approach is a combination of cognitive-behavioral and solution focused. I work with my clients to understand their worldview and underlying concerns and provide a safe and supportive environment where they can understand the underlying patterns of their suffering, learn to empower themselves, strengthen their decision-making abilities, and take steps to improve their current situation. I am an active facilitator in treatment and I will provide direct feedback and insights.

My ideal client is 16 and up and ready to make changes in his/her life in order to maximize his/her quality of life. Please contact me at Kimberly_elias@hotmail.com or call 907-831-1243 to schedule an appointment.

Laser to Quit Smoking:

Smoking cessation through laser therapy treats the nicotine addiction in a manner similar to the principles of acupuncture. In laser therapy, a technician directs pinpoint beams of "cold" laser to the hands, wrists, face and ears --- energy points in the body. This stimulates the body's production of endorphins which alleviates the symptoms of withdrawal. Call Kimberly Elias for more information 907-831-1243.

Having and undergraduate degree in Psychology from Mary Washington and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth, I feel very fortunate to work with individuals, couples, and families in my hometown of Fredericksburg, VA. I have been Licensed and Practicing at my current location since 2002.

For over 10 years, Dr. Athena Staik has studied the brain, the neuroscience of attachments, and cutting edge tools for accelerated success and human change. With a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy, and an MA and BA in psychology, her work is influenced by a wide range of psychological models, with an emphasis on positive, strengths-based approaches. As a relationship expert, emotional intelligence coach, and master practitioner of neurolinguistic programming, Dr. Staik’s passion is to awaken the best in life and relationship. She is known for her gift for tapping into clients’ strengths, inspiring others to make transformative change, and her strong blend of compassion, kindness & willingness to consistently stand in truth.

Athena Staik, Ph.D. is developer of Conscious-Love™ Transformations, a synthesis of evidence-based psychological interventions, experiential approaches, and the latest findings on the brain, neuroscience and intimate relationships. Dr. Staik is currently in private practice in Fredericksburg, VA, and writing her book, Safe Enough to Love™: Breaking Free of Addictive Love in Couple Relationships. For information, comments or questions, or to schedule an appointment or workshop, visit her website at

Marlyn Goins-McCants is a licensed behavioral health clinician and manager with over 25 years of experience in the social work profession. She is experienced in multiple fields including, addictions, mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, family and community services and health care at the local, state and national levels. She is experience as a Military Family Life Counselor, assigned to Military installations in the US and Japan. She has also provided individual, group and family counseling services to service members and their families. She has also provided psycho education, presentations etc. to assist military families, worked with existing military family support programs to complement the services provided to service members and their families. She was instrumental in establishing Victoria Transcultural Center, amental health agency, which provided intensive in home and outpatient counseling services specializing in working with Latino and African American families. She has worked as a supervised Clinical Director,LCSW, andLPC supervisor. She has also served as Child and Family technicalexpert lead with a team contracting with Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). Provided support for approximately 17 service providers and organizations that were awarded grants through the Pregnant and Post-Partum women's grant program. She has worked with the Department of Juvenile Service in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to serve on the Department executive management team and assist in the continued effort to transform Juvenile Justice in the State in efforts to obtain national correctional accreditation.

Ashley Hough, LMFT

Ashley Hough is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Virginia and Hawaii. She is licensed in Marriage and Family Therapy and recieved her bachelor’s degree in Family Studies from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX . Since completing her studies Ashley has worked primarily with families and children. For the last five years, Ashley has assisted military families in different capacities: teaching resiliency skills to help with the stress of military life, assisting family members in understanding Post Traumatic Stress, and how to navigate the transition to civilian life. She currently works as an Military Family Life Counselor at a local school assisting military children with transitions, deployment, time management, etc. In the past Ashley has collaborated with various community partners such as National Military Family Association, Operation Military Kids, and Secret Passage Ranch to support families while engaging in outdoor activities.

Ashley is a strength based therapist helping clients identify/develop their personal strengths and building upon those attributes. She works primarily with children, couples, and families utilizing therapy models such as Solution Focused, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.